Chapter 11

Aila Coraline

I was a little troubled when I went back to the packhouse. I couldn't shake off the suspicion about the sudden rogue attack days ago. Zayn thought it was accidental and wanted me to dismiss it. I knew I had to, at least to trust him, but my mother was left there, and I feared it would happen again.

"To the community bus, everyone. We'll head to the homestead by sunset," Zayn announced.

We would be assigned to the homestead until the end of the month. I heard that most rogue attacks happened there, so I expected little from our duty there.

"I'm gonna miss my dog," someone behind me whispered.

Most were grumbling about the things they'd miss once we were assigned to the homestead. I could relate somehow. Once I got there, it would be even farther from our house and my mother.

"Is everyone here?" Zayn asked after he entered the community bus.

He looked around and then caught my eye. "Coraline, come sit beside me," he said, patting the seat next to him.

I shook my head. Seeing my reluctance, he sighed and moved to sit beside me instead.

As the bus took off, I heard gossip and chatter around me, but my mind was preoccupied. I couldn't help but think about my mother and the danger that might still lurk around our home.

The ride felt long, the bus jolting on the uneven road. People were chatting, some laughing, while others seemed lost in thought, much like me.

"Do you think we'll see more action at the homestead?" someone asked nearby.

"Hopefully not," another replied. "I'd rather have a quiet assignment."

As night fell, the atmosphere inside the bus grew quieter. The once lively chatter turned into murmurs and whispers. The road ahead grew darker, and an eerie silence settled in. I could hear the distant howls and growls of wolves, sending a shiver down my spine.

It wasn't yet the full moon, but from the sound of the howls, I was sure it wasn't from the neighboring pack. The sound seemed so close to the borders that it reminded me of the howls and growls from days ago.

"Who are they calling?" I wondered aloud.

We howl to send a message to our members, to call for help, and the like. They couldn't just be making noise for the sake of it. The sound felt like they were calling the rest to join a bigger cause.

"They're mourning. Don't mind it," Zayn said.

Between the two of us, he knew much better. He was trained for this. He knew how to differentiate sounds, to lead effectively.

I tried to take his word for it, but something about the howls unsettled me. They seemed too deliberate, too intense. I couldn't shake the feeling that something more was happening out there.

As we continued down the dark road, the howls faded, replaced by the rumble of the bus and the murmur of the passengers. I glanced at Zayn, who seemed lost in thought, his eyes scanning the horizon.

"Do you really think they're just mourning?" I asked quietly.

He turned to me and nodded. "Yeah, don't think too much. It's normal."

It was almost midnight when we arrived at the homestead, but the place was still so lively, as if they expected us to come. There were strings of lights decorating each side of the road, making the scene look magical and romantic.

"Is this where you're usually assigned?" I asked Zayn as we exited the bus.

I rarely saw Zayn at the packhouse, not because I didn't go there often, but because he didn't usually set foot in the place. That's the reason that the first time I saw him after years, I didn't recognize his face. In an unfortunate event, I had even shot him with an arrow.

"Most of the time, yes. But I station in different parts of the pack as needed," he replied.

I nodded, taking in the sight of the homestead. Despite the day's events, the warm lights and the welcoming atmosphere eased some of my tension.

The chief and his entourage were waiting for us at the entrance. "Welcome," he greeted us with a nod. "It's been a while since we've had such a large group stationed here."

"Thank you for having us," Zayn replied respectfully.

We were led to our quarters, where we could rest before our assignments began. The room looked decent, designed in a beige theme. I never expected the homestead to look better than I thought it would. When I heard about it, I imagined just a farm, animals, and huts, but I was wrong.

The walls were painted a warm beige, and the furniture matched with tasteful, earthy tones. Soft lighting added a cozy atmosphere, making the room feel inviting and comfortable. There was a plush bed with clean, crisp sheets, and a small sitting area by the window where I could see the lights outside casting a gentle glow

"Get some rest," Zayn advised. "Tomorrow will be a long day."

I took a half bath and followed Zayn's advice to get some rest. Tomorrow was another day, and I wasn't sure what we were going to do. All I knew was that we were here to strengthen the security. How we were going to do that, I didn't know.

The next morning, Zayn gathered us for a briefing. "I saw a waterfall nearby. It could be an easy access point for rogues to get here," Cynthia spoke up during the huddle.

I hadn't had the chance to check out the entire place yet because I woke up late. If it hadn't been for Zayn knocking on my door, I would have still been sleeping.

Zayn nodded at Cynthia's observation. "Good point. We need to secure that area first. You and Coraline will go there and assess the situation. Take note of any weak spots and potential threats."

I immediately glared at Zayn and glanced at Cynthia. Why would I go with her? She could go there by herself. I'm here to help, yes, but not with an enemy.

"She could go there by herself. Why would I come with her?" I protested.

Zayn looked at me with cold eyes. He didn't like that I was questioning his plan. I understood his position, but he knew that Cynthia and I didn't get along. That girl hated me as much as I hated her.

"You're a team, Coraline. Set aside your personal grudges and do this for the pack," he said sternly.

Of course, I knew we were a team. But of all the people Zayn could pair with Cynthia, why me? We had some history. It felt like Zayn wasn't thinking. I understood he wanted me to be professional and rational, but goodness, not this way. I wanted to complain, but he was the leader here, and I had to obey.

"Yeah, whatever."

Reluctantly, I obliged. Cynthia and I set out towards the waterfall she had mentioned. The tension between us was palpable, but I focused on the task at hand. The forest was dense and the sound of the rushing water grew louder as we approached.

When we reached the falls, I could see that the rocks were steep and slippery. It was a dangerous area, just as Cynthia had described. We carefully assessed the place, noting potential weak spots and hazards.

As I was examining a particularly steep section of the rocks, I lost my footing. Panic surged through me as I began to slip. Instinctively, I reached out and grabbed Cynthia for support. Unfortunately, the sudden pull caused her to lose her balance, and she tumbled into the raging falls below.

"Cynthia!" I shouted, watching helplessly as she was swept away by the powerful current.